BAKER, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> San Bernardino County Fire Department crews extinguished a semi tractor trailer fire on northbound Interstate 15 that closed a portion Monday afternoon.
The semi-trailer caught fire while driving on northbound Interstate 15 about 3 miles before the town of Baker around 12:50pm July 14, 2025.
SBFD says the driver was able to safely pull the truck to the shoulder and exit the vehicle, but the trailer was loaded with tires, and both are considered a total loss. Fire trucks were used to block the freeway, and vehicles were backed up for several miles.
California Highway Patrol issued a full freeway closure for at least 3+ hours for northbound lanes at Zzyzx Road. It was reported the flames were about 100 feet in the air, plus smoke blowing across the traffic lanes.
Southbound lanes remained open for drivers, but traffic is slow in area.
According to the Caltrans, the road has not been re-opened as of around 4pm.
They are hoping to open at least the center divider or the fast lane, so traffic can bypass the incident as the fire is fully extinguished and the cleanup is started.
Update at 4:30pm CHP opened the fast lane.
The official cause of the semi fire is unknown at this time. Flames did start from the rear brakes on the tractor.
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